
CmiE BOOK 

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR 

PROF. THOMAS SHAW 



Published by 

THE S. R. FEIL CO., MTg. Chemists, 

CLEVELAND, OHIO 




Class rSy-^-al 
Book_ 






GopjTightN^. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




TLB BOOK 




SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR 

PROF. THOMAS SHAW 



Published by 

THE S. R. FEIL CO., Mfg. Chemists 
CLEVELAND, OHIO. 



NEW BOOKS 



The 




5Fl37 

.53 



Stockmen's Library. 

Cattle Book, Illustrated Price 50 cts. 
Sheep Book, Illustrated Price 50 cts. 
Swine Book, Illustrated Price 50 cts. 
Horse Book, Illustrated Price 50 cts. 

Each of these books has a valuable colored ana- 
tomical chart, as a supplement. 



Copyright, 1913, 

By THE S. R. FEIL CO. 

Cleveland, O. 



PREFACE 



The success or failure of 
every stock farmer, dairyman 
or beef breeder, depends upon 
his selection of stock, and the 
kind of care and management 
he gives his animals. In this 
book we have attempted to set 
forth in a brief manner, the in- 
formation most essential to 
success. We have not at- 
tempted to present any new 
theories, but rather to present 
the old, tried and proved meth- 
ods, in a clear and practical 
manner, so that the most inex- 
perienced can understand and 
follow them. If you find 
portions of this book very 
elementary, please remember 
it is because we have tried 
instruction, and to present the 
subject in such a way that an inexperienced boy can fully 
understand In treating disease we have recommended 
generous use of "Sal-Vet" because we know from our 
own experience and the experience of the well-informed 
farmers, stock raisers, and experiment stations, that 
"Sal- Vet" is the greatest known preventive of certain 
ills which result in stock losses. 

Our sole desire in compiling this book is that it may 
be the means of increasing the profits of the stock farm- 
er, dairyman and breeder. If the reader is able to find 
in these pages a few hints and helps that will assist him 
along the road to success, we shall feel amply rewarded 
for our time and trouble. Sidney R. Feil, Pres., 

The S. R. Feil Co., Cleveland, Ohio. 




to avoid technical 







W^-^PV ,'f^ 

















Cattle 

Their Breeding, Feeding and Management. 

(Pages 5 to 56 Inclusive) 

By PROF. THOS. SHAW. 

HE cattle industry will 

always dominate 

among the live stock 

industries of the 
United States. This follows 
from the necessity that will 
always exist for furnishing 
meat and milk, for the use of 
the rapidly increasing mil- 
lions that will populate this 
country. No other class of 
live stock can serve this combined purpose 
as it is served by cattle. The importance, 
therefore, of knowing how to breed, feed 
and manage this class of stock in the best 
way, cannot be easily over-estimated. 

Breeding Cattle. 

Cattle are of three classes in the United 
States, viz. those kept mainly or exclusively 
for furnishing beef, those kept mainly or 
exclusively for furnishing milk, and those 
kept for the combined purpose of furnishing 
meat and milk. Cattle of the first class 
should be grown chiefly on range and rug- 



Prof. Thos. Shaw 



Page Five 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



ged pastures, but when high class baby beef 
is wanted, they may be kept on the arable 
farm. Cattle of the second class are grown 
and maintained on the arable farm, and the 
same is true of dual purpose cattle, that is 
of cattle of the third class. Milk for the 
dairy should not be sought from those of the 
first class. Meat should not be sought from 
those of the second class while yet profitable 
in the dairy, except from calves that are 
vealed, or from progeny sired by a male of 
the first class, when the calves are not to be 
reared for dairy uses. Much of the meat 
grown on the arable farm should come from 
cattle of the third class and also much of the 
milk that is wanted for sale, or for the manu- 
facturing of dairy products. 

Principles that Govern in Breeding: — The 

principles which govern the breeding of 
these three classes of cattle are essentially 
the same. They have regard- (1) to pedi- 
gree, (2) to form, and (3) to selection. 
Pedigree recognizes the fact that the more 
purely bred the animals are and the longer 
the period that they have been so bred, the 
more certain will be the transmission. Be- 
cause of this, pure bred males only should 

Page Six 



BREEDING, FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT 




Typical Dairy Cows 

be used, whatsoever the character of the 
females may be. The form should approxi- 
mate as closely as possible to that recognized 
as the standard for each particular class. 
Selection should reject for breeding all ani- 
mals that do not approximate closely to the 
standard form. 

Breeding Pure Breds: — Pure breds can 
only be bred from sire and dam of the same 
breed when both are registered, or are eligi- 
ble to registry. Both sire and dam should 
possess good form, and if possible, both 
should come from ancestry that in the near- 



Page Seven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



est generations have shown high excellence 
in meeting the requirements for which they 
are kept. This is especially important in 
regard to the male, because of the influence 
which he exerts on so many of the progeny. 
When a good male has shown himself to be 
prepotent, he should be kept in the herd as 
long as he is useful in the same. Prepo- 
tency means the ability to stamp on the pro- 
geny individual characteristics. Marked 
prepotency is rare rather than frequent. 
Those who breed pure breds, should be 
possessed of business tact as well as of skill 
in breeding, if they are to succeed. 

Breeding Grades: — The great mass of the 
live stock kept upon the farms of this coun- 
try, through all time, will be grades, because 
of the greater skill called for and expense 
entailed when breeding pure breds, hence 
the great importance of knowing how to do 
this in best form. When breeding grades, 
the blood elements of the females is not un- 
important, but blood much mixed is no ob- 
jection, if the form is reasonably good. In 
fact, the more mixed the blood in the female, 
the greater relatively will be the improve- 
ment from using a pure bred sire. Good 
individuals only of the progeny should be 

Page Eight 



BREEDING, FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT 

saved for future breeding. The successive 
males used, should all come from the same 
breed. I say four generations of such breed- 
ing for beef animals, and five for milk, the 
animals resulting should be as good individ- 
ually as the average of the breed from which 
the sires have been chosen. They may be 
even more rugged because of the blending 
of alien blood element. This will follow 
though the foundation females have been 
very common in kind. This kind of breed- 
ingis frequently spoken of as up-grading. If 
any change of breed is made when choosing 
sires, transmission pertaining to the line of 
grading previously followed, will be propor- 
tionately weakened, and the more frequently 
that such change is made, the more uncer- 
tain will the result be. 

Breeding Cross Breds: — When animals of 
the pure breeds are mated, or even when 
very high grades of these are mated, the 
progeny are known as crossbreds. It is sel- 
dom advisable to breed pure breds thus. 
For breeding uses, they are usually more 
valuable than even the progeny becomes, 
and there is more or less of a tendency to 
deterioration in succeeding generations. 

Page Nine 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




"Of Compact Build and Short in Limb" 

Selecting Beef Cattle: — When selecting 
cattle for beef, the animals chosen should 
have the following characteristics of form: 

(1) They should be of compact build and 
short in limb. 

(2) The back should be level, broad in 
all parts and well covered with soft tiesh 
when the animal is in condition. 

(3) The fore-quarter should be wide, 
full and deep. 

(4) The hind quarter should be long and 
broad, and should come well down in tiank 
and twist. 



Page Ten 



SELECTING THE BREED 



HPI 


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IHJPi^HJ 


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i^M 


Wtjw^ -^hj^^^Mi 


K 


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1 


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r« ^.-iilijAjlijAii to«U ^.^1 



Evidences of Good Milking Capacity 

(5) The hide should be soft and readily 
moveable, especially over the ribs. 

(6) The head and neck should incline to 
short, the eye being calm, and the entire 
body should be smooth and free from 
prominences. 

Selecting Dairy Cattle: — When selecting 
cattle for the dairy, the aim should be to 



Page Eleven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



choose animals with the following character- 
istics: 

(1) Much capacity in the barrel to pro- 
vide large storage for the food consumed. 

(2) A general outline more or less re- 
quired, as seen in a head and neck, inclining 
to tine sharp withers, a well defined spinal 
column, light thighs and limbs fine, rather 
than coarse. 

(3) Evidences of good milking capacity 
as shown in a large and evenly quartered 
udder coming well up behind and glandular 
or spongy in its quality when empty, also in 
long and tortuous milk veins going into the 
body, through large openings. 

(4) Considerable width through the low- 
er part of the chest, as a guaranty of rug- 
gedness.i 

(5) A nice handling, pliable skin. 
Selecting Cattle of the Dual Types: — When 

selecting cattle of the dual type, look for 
the following: 

(1) Development that is something of a 
mean between extrem.e beef and extreme 
dairy form. 

(2) Good capacity of body with ribs a 
little open space, rather than close. 

(3) A head and neck inclining to fine; 

Page Twelve 



BREEDING, FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT 

withers medium, back level and medium wide, and hips 
straight on the side and rear, rather than incurved. 

(4) Good large development of udder and milk veins. 

(5) A pliable skin of medium thickness and covered 
with soft hair. With all these classes of cattle, those of 
large size for the breed or grade are to be preferred. 

The Breeds of Cattle: — The beef breeds of cattle 
in America at the present time are the Shorthorn, the 
Hereford, the Aberdeen Angus, and the Gallow^ay. 
The Shorthorns are the largest of these breeds, and they 
are well adapted to stall feeding. The Herefords are 
excellent grazers. The Aberdeen Angus furnish high 
quality meat. The Galloways are well adapted to 
roughing it in cold climates, and their hides make fine 
robes. The high grades of these are possessed of similar 
characteristics. The dairy breeds are the Holsteins, the 
Ayrshire, the Guernsey and the Jersey. The Holsteins 
are a large breed, and they are specially noted for the 
large amount of milk which they give, but it contains 
less butter fat than the milk of the other breeds named. 
The Ayrshires breed furnish milk well adapted to mak- 
ing cheese or butter. The Guernseys and the Jerseys 
give only a medium quantity of milk but it is exceeding 
rich in butter fat. The Dutch Belted Cattle with a 
white band or belt around the body are much like the 
Holstein in other respects. They are not numerous in 
this country, and the same is true of the other dairy 
breeds, the Kerry and the French Canadian. 

The dual breeds are the Brown Swiss, the milking 
Shorthorn and the Red Poll, The Brown Swiss are fre- 
quently classed as a dairy breed. The great bulk of the 
dual types of cattle are found among grades, rather than 
among the pure breeds. 

Page Thirteen 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Prize Winning Brown Swiss Cow 

DUAL BREEDS 

Brown Swiss 

The Brown Swiss, as their name indicates, are natives 
of Switzerland. Bred in a rugged, mountainous envir- 
onment, they are extremely hardy and adapted to rough 
pasturing. They are coarse of build, yet give a good 
flow of milk with a fair percentage of butter fat. This 
combination of beef and dairy types, makes them popular 
among that class of breeders who desire a general utility 
animal. They are of generous build, of dark brown to 
chestnut brown color. Horns are short and waxy with 
black tip, black nose and tongue, white thighs. The 
cows at maturitv often weigh 1600 pounds and the bulls 
2000 pounds. 



Page Fourteen 



DUAL BREEDS 




A Champion Red Poll Bull 

Red Polls 

The Red Poll cattle are of English origin. The 
present type is a combination of the Norfolk and Suf- 
folk Polled. They are hardy and well adapted to severe 
cold and exposure; for this reason they are finding in- 
creasing favor in the northern and western states. 
They are of medium size, compactly built and give a 
good flow of milk, fairly rich. Forty to fifty pounds per 
day is a fair average. A good Red Poll cow will 
easily give 6,000 pounds of 4 percent milk a year. I'hcy 
are well developed in beefing qualities, being especi'^Py 
well covered in parts which produce the hi'-Jn^t (jiir.'ily 
meat. 



Paue Fil'lee: 



DAIRY BREEDS 




A Fine Specimen of Holstein Bull 

DAIRY BREEDS 



Holsteins 

The Holstein-Friesians are extreme milk producers. 
The milking capacity of the Holstein is estimated to be 
three times that of smaller cows. They are profitable 
dairy cows, essentially healthy and easily handled. Hol- 
stein cows have taken worlds' records for mdk, butter 
and cheese. As their name indicates, they are of German 
or Dutch origin. The name is a compromise, inasmuch 
as the breed is a union of several different families. The 
build and size is very nearly uniform. The most noted 
feature of the bod>', is the large rounded barrel indicating 
digestive capacity. Udders are very large and extend 
well forward. The color is white and black. 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




'Gentle in Disposition But Always Alert' 

Ayrshire 



The Ayrshire is a native of Scotland, county of Ayr. 
The rugged conditions under which the breed was de- 
veloped, produced a type calculated to make the best 
possible use of their feed, and thrive under the severe 
exposure. Many admirers say they will produce more 
milk for the amount of food consumed, than any other 
breed. Their milk is said to be perfect food for infants 
and invalids. They are gentle in disposition yet notice- 
ably alert. The skin is soft and loose and covered with 
thick, soft, woolly hair. Color is red, brown or white 
or a combination of these. 



Page Seventeen 



SAL-VET CATTLE ROOK 




A Prize Winning Guernsey Cow 

Guernsey 

The origin of the Guernsey cattle was on the Island 
of Guernsey, one of the channel group. The Guernsey 
is one of the most popular breeds, because of its heavy 
yield of milk and its richness in butter fat. The chief 
characteristic of the Guernsey is her economical produc- 
tion of the highest natural-colored milk, cream and but- 
ter. While no attention has been given to markings, 
their long protection has developed a distinct type. The 
coat is usually fawn with white markings, overlaying a 
skin of rich orange. They have clean cut, lean faces, 
wide nostrils and bright eyes with a gentle, quiet expres- 
sion. The abdomen is large and deep, showing great di- 
gestive and productive capacity. Udder is of large size 
and capacity. The teats are of good size and well placed. 
Average weight of mature cow 900 to 1000 pounds. 

J 'aye KislUeeii 



DAIRY BREEDS 




A Typical Pure Bred Jersey Cow 



Jersey 



The native home of the Jersey cattle is the Island of 
Jersey, one of the Channel islands off the coast of France. 
No breed stands higher in the favor of American dairy- 
man. They give the most milk for their size and weight, 
and produce a pound of butter fat or a pound of milk 
solids, at the least cost in feed. Dairy products made from 
Jersey milk are unsurpassed in quality and flavor. 
Their milk is very rich and especially adapted to butter 
making. They are a beautiful type of dairy cow, 
distinguished by their deer like heads, deep narrow 
fore-quarters, large bodies and fawn color. Mildness 
and gentleness characterize the disposition of this breed. 



Page Nineteen 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Pretty Group of the Dutch Belted Breed 

Dutch Belted 



The Dutch Belted cattle are a Holland breed and are 
designated as "belted" because of the wide, white band 
which encircles the body. With the exception of this 
encircling band of white, the cattle are black. They 
are strictly a dairy breed, being heavy milk producers. 
The cows range from 800 to 1200 pounds in weight, 
while the bulls range from 1800 to 2200 pounds. The 
characteristics of the Dutch Belted cattle are, long head, 
broad between the eyes, horns long in proportion to 
their size, fine thin neck, short legs, wide hips, white 
band around body, large well developed udder, quiet dis- 
position. They are bred only to a limited extent in this 
country. 



Page Twenty 



BEEF BREEDS 




A Champion Short Horn Bull 

Shorthorn 



The Shorthorn was imported into the United States 
from England and Scotland. They were formerly called 
Durhams and are unexcelled as a beef breed. The 
Shorthorn is a development of three types; the Bates, 
the Booths, and the Cruickshanks. The characteris- 
tics of the Bates are clean lines, finely shaped heads and 
broad level backs. The Booth characteristics are shown 
by the girth, lengthy quarters and deep flesh. The 
Cruickshanks carried low, broad and deep forms and 
were stock of quick maturity. The modern Shorthorn 
is a combination of all these characteristics, which make 
them the favorite among beef producers, but they have 
also been bred up to a good milk producing standard. 
The predominating colors are red, white and roan. 

Page Twenty-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Champion Hereford Cow 

Herefords 

The Herefords are so called from their point of orio;in, 
Herefordshire, England. They are superior for beef 
purposes and are also good, but not deep milkers. They 
are better producers of cheese than of butter. The cows 
average about 1300 pounds in weight. They are a 
picturesque breed with their white faces, chest, legs, 
under body, end of tail and strip on top of neck. The 
rest of the body is red. They are low set and broad 
with heavy forequarters, deep chest and level, wide back. 
Herefords are characteristically thrifty and good grazers. 
In the best specimens of the breed the coat is thick and 
mossy, which is indicative of thrift. 



Page 'i'went\-t\vo 



BEEF BREEDS 




A Prize Winning Angus 

Aberdeen Angus 



The Aberdeen Angus is a native of Scotland, — a 
hardy, black, hornless breed. While not so large as some 
beef breeds, they are profitable keepers. Their frames 
are covered smoothly and evenly at all points with deep 
mellow flesh. The type is favorable to the production 
of the highest quality beef in the greatest quantity. 
Their hide is pliable and covered with fine black hair, 
and properly tanned, makes excellent carriage robes. 
The Angus has strong shoulders, deep circular ribs; 
hips moderately far apart and well covered. 

Page Twenty-three 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Champion Galloway Bull 



Galloway 



The Galloway breed derives its name from its native 
district in Scotland. Their coat is black with a tinge of 
brown. They are especially adapted to cold climates 
and exposed countries. Galloway hides are covered 
with a soft, wavy, thick coat of hair, with a mossy under- 
coat, and are exceedingly valuable for heavy coats and 
robes. They are smaller than some of the beef breeds 
and do not mature as early, but are being rapidly im- 
proved. The type is thick, symmetrical, built close to 
the ground and have short wide heads, without horns. 



Page Twenty -four 



BEEF BREEDS 



Devon 

The Devon is of English origin. They 
are not so heavy as the Shorthorns and Here- 
fords, but are larger than the Ayrshires, 
Jerseys, or Holsteins. The milk is said to 
be particularly good food, especially adapt- 
ed to infants. Under proper management 
Devon cows produce 15 to 25 pounds of but- 
ter per week. The fiesh is greatly prized 
for its high quality. The characteristics of 
the Devon are a moderately long head wath 
broad forehead, ears thin, long gracefulup- 
turned horns, medium length neck, straight 
level back, hind quarters deep, thick and 
square. Color, red. 



Feeding Cattle. 

Fundamental Principles: — There are cer- 
tain fundamental principles which obtain in 
the successful feeding and raising of cattle, 
which cannot be ignored. These relate: 

(1) to the source from which the foods are 
obtained; 

(2) to the character of the foods fed, and 

(3) to the manner of feeding them. 



Pagre Twenty- five 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



The source of foods: — On the arable farm 
the grower of live stock should aim to grow 
all the food that he needs on his own farm. 
This should be his aim, first, because he can 
usually grow it more cheaply on the arable 
farm than he can buy it; second, because he 
can grow it in combinations that are desired; 
and third, because he may thus command 
the quality of the source. But there may be 
instances w^iere buying a part of the food is 
not only desirable, butcommendable, espec- 
ially when bought in the form of grain, to 
supplement what is grown. The cost of 
transporting roughage usually places it be- 
yond the reach of the farmer, who must ob- 
tain food by purchase. 

Adaptation in foods: — Adaptation in the 
foods fed is of great moment. Certain foods 
have highest adaptation, for being fed to cat- 
tle at certain ages. During the period of 
calfhood, the animals should be fed rough- 
age, fine in character and of high quality. 
Between that period and the usual time for 
fattening, they would be suitable for calves 
or cows in milk. During the fattening 
period, it will usually pay well to feed grain, 
except in some instances, when the animals 

Puf^e 'I'wenty-six 



FEEDING 



are being grazed on plentiful supplies of 
succulent grass. When cows are in milk, 
they must be supplied with more or less of 
succulent food, if maximum production is to 
be insured. 

Quality in Foods: — The quality in the foods 
fed is greatly important. In fodders, coarse- 
ness and woodiness are undesirable. Over- 
curing detracts much from their palatability. 
Sour fodders, as corn and the sorghums, de- 
teriorate quickly with age. To insure the 
highest palatability in fodders, they should be 
cut at an early stage of maturity, and cured 
so that much of the natural color is main- 
tained. Grains also dither much in quality. 
They are usually superior as the weight in- 
creases. Grains that are musty or mouldy 
should not be fed to cattle. 

Feeding Foods in Balance: — The foods fed 
should be in balance, which means that the 
protein foods should bear a certain propor- 
tion to the carbo-hydrate foods. The rela- 
tive proportions in these will vary with ad- 
vance in age, and with the end sought in 
feeding the food, as when feeding for beef 
or for milk. Protein foods produce flesh, 
growth and milk, to a much greater extent 

Page Twenty-seven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



than they produce fat and heat, hence they 
should be fed in largest quantity to animals 
that are growing or furnishing milk. Carbo- 
hydrate foods should be thus fed to animals 
that are being fattened, orthat are much ex- 
posed to cold. Skim milk and all legumi- 
nous plants are rich in protein. Corn, the 
sorghums and timothy are rich in carbo- 
hydrates. In proportion as these foods are 
fed not in balance, that is, not in due propor- 
tion, there will be waste in feeding them. 
The proportions of each to feed may be 
ascertained, at least approximately, from 
tables that may be found in books and bulle- 
tins in feeding. 

There should be a due relation also be- 
tween the proportions of the roughage and 
the bulky products fed. In young animals 
this is necessary to secure proper distension 
in the digestive organs; until the fattening or 
the milk producing period has been reached, 
the proportionate amount of the roughage 
may continually increase. In some instances, 
roughage only may be needed between the 
milk period with calves, and the period when 
fattening or milk giving begins. In such 
instances the roughage should be of high 

Page Twenty-eight 



FEEDING 



quality. With animals that are fattened or 
producing milk, the larger the proportion of 
the roughage fed that will secure a given 
end, the less costly will be the ration, as 
roughage is usually cheaper than grains. 
But a certain amount of grain should be fed 
in such instances to insure maximum results, 
as the animals can not consume enough of 
roughage in these instances, except when 
they are being grazed on pastures rich, 
abundant, and more or less succulent. 

Growth without Cessation: — It is highly 
important that animals should be kept grow- 
ing with reasonable haste, until they are ma- 
tured. There should be no stand still periods 
in development short of maturity. Should 
development beseriously arrested, the ca- 
pacity for future development is lowered. 
The earlier the period at which such devel- 
opment is arrested, the more completely 
that it is arrested, the less complete will be 
the subsequent development. If, therefore, 
development is seriously arrested in calfhood, 
the animal will never develop subsequently 
as it would have developed, had such a period 
of arrested growth not come to it. 

The cost of development is also thereby 

Page Twenty -nine 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



increased, because of the longer period called 
for, in which to reach maturity. The food 
of maintenance of course varies with the age 
of the animal, but in growing cattle, it is ap- 
proximately 50 per cent. It is very evident, 
therefore, that the cost of producing an ani- 
mal, will increase with increase in the time 
called for in reaching maturity. It is also 
apparentthatduringperiodsof partial or com- 
plete stagnation, the food of maintenance 
is all lost for the time being. Should the 
animal lose in weight, the loss will be further 
increased, and in proportion to the amount 
of the flesh that has been lost. The mistake 
so frequently made of allowing growing ani- 
mals to lose weight in the winterseason, will 
be apparent from what has been said. 

Increase in Gains with Age: — With increase 
in age, the cost of producing meat from cat- 
tle continually increases. This follows from 
that law of growth, which makes it more rap- 
id, the nearer the birth period is approach- 
ed. Good feeding will secure not less than 
2 pounds of increase per day, during the 
first year. During the second year, similarly 
good feeding will not usually produce more 
than 1/2 pounds of increase per day. Dur- 

Page Thirty 



FEEDING 



ing the third year, the increase will be not 
more probably than Hi pounds per day. 
When the animal is matured, no further in- 
crease is made in weight, notwithstanding 
the large consumption of food called for. 
These results are the outcome, first, of the 
greater activity of the digestive organs as the 
birth period is approached, and consequent- 
ly the more perfect way in which the food 
eaten is utilized, and second, of the greater 
tax on the food of maintenance. It is very 
evident, therefore, that the grower of beef, 
at least on the arable farm, should aim to 
quickly grow animals intended for beef, 
and to market them at an age not exceeding 
three years. In many instances they are sold 
between the ages of 18 and 24 months. Such 
meat is known as baby beef. Where a large 
area of rough and broken pastures is present, 
it may be more profitable to allow the ani- 
mals to attain a greater age before market- 
ing them. 

Marketing when Ripe:— When animals are 
fattened, it is important that they shall be 
put upon the market when ripe. They are 
ripe when they cease to make profitable in- 
crease. This can readily be determined by 

Page ThirtN-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Bunch of Prize-winning Steers at the Chicago Yards 

the weight scale. They are ripe when the 
covering of flesh is good over all the body 
and when it becomes firm under pressure of 
the hand. When this condition has been 
reached, and the gains in weight have in a 
great measure ceased, the loss from longer 
keeping the animal will rapidly accumulate, 
as it will consume practically as much food, as 
when at an earlier period, it was making 
much increase. 



Page Thirty-two 



The Management of Cattle 

HE management of cattle includes 
the following: 

(1) The feeding and care of calves. 

(2) The feeding and care of young 
cattle. 

(3) The feeding and care of cattle that 
are being fattened. 

(4) The feeding and care of cows in milk. 
These will be discussed separately. 

Feeding and Care of Calves. — When rear- 
ing calves, the feeding and care are much 
influenced by the object for which they are 
reared. In some respects these are the 
same. In other respects they difi^er widely. 

When Calves Should Come. — Whether 
calves are to be reared for beef or for the 
dairy, it is preferable to have them come in 
the autumn. This is especially true of calves 
that are reared by hand. When calves are 
to be vealed, it is not very material when 
they come. 

Calves may come more profitably in the 
late autumn, for the following reasons: — 

(1) They may be cared for more com- 
pletely because of the greater leisure which 
the farmer has at that season. This will be 
of special advantage to hand fed calves. 

Page T hilly -three 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



(2) The time for weaning them is pro- 
pitious. This will take place in the spring, 
that is at a season when the grass is becom- 
ing plentiful, so that the weaning should 
give them no setback. 

(3) They graze much better the first 
summer, than do young calves. They are 
better able to resist the influence of heat and 
the annoyance from flies, and they can glean 
and thrive on coarser grass. 

(4) They pass through the winter that 
comes after the weaning, better than spring 
calves. They are stronger and older and 
can, therefore, withstand the cold better, 
and they may also be made to consume a 
larger proportion of coarser foods than 
would be suitable for spring calves. 

(5) They may be made into baby beef 
at an opportune age. If marketed in the 
spring, they may be sold at 18 months. If 
marketed in the fall, they will be sold at 24 
months and with greater advantage, all 
things considered, than spring calves sold at 
similar ages. 

(6) The cows will be dry at a more op- 
portune season of the year, than if the calves 
came in the spring. That season is the au- 
tumn, when the food is dry. 



Page 'lMiirt.\-foui 



BEEF CALVES 




^^s^m. 



'm^wi 



A Fine Group of "Beef" Calves— Herefords 

(7) Dairy cows will milk more profitably 
for the season, first, that they freshen when 
dairy products are raising in price, and 
second, that the milk flow is more easily 
maintained, since the cows are on fresh grass 
during the latter part of the lactation period. 

Calves Reared for Beefs: — Calves for beef are 
sometimes reared on their dams during the milk period. 
In some instances they only remain with their dams 
for two or three days, and then confined and only 
allowed to take milk from the dam three times a 
day at a the first, twice later and probably only once 



Page Thirty-five 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



toward the time of weaning. The latter 
method is considered the better, as it makes 
it easily possible to supplement the milk 
furnished by the dams, and also for other 
reasons. Usually the calves are weaned at 
the age of about 6 months. In some in- 
stances the first calf is weaned at about four 
months and a second calf is put upon the 
dam and allowed to suck for a similar period. 
One hindrance to the success of this system 
is found in the difficulty in getting suitable 
calves. 

Calves reared by hand for beef, are fre- 
quently of the dual type. They are given 
skim milk instead of new, save for a short 
time at first, the cream from the milk pro- 
duced, being devoted to other uses. When 
thus reared, they should be allowed to take 
their first meal from the dam and it will be 
all the better for them if they can stay with 
her for a day or two, so that they may take 
milk at will. The digestion will then be 
started properly. They may then be taken 
quite away from the dam. If allowed to go 
without milk until they are hungry, they 
may be readily made to take milk from a 
pail or other vessel. 

They should be given new milk for say 

Page Thirty-six 



BEEF CALVES 



two weeks and fed not seldomer than three 
times a day, taking care not to give them 
enough at any one time to derange the diges- 
tion. About two quarts should be ample for 
one feed. At the end of two weeks the 
change to skim milk may begin. It is made 
by gradually withholding the new milk and 
substituting in its place, blood warm skim 
milk in ever increasing quantities, until only 
skim milk is given. The process of change 
should cover about two w^eks. Separator 
skim milk is preferred, chiefly because it 
may be fed warm and without artificial heat- 
ing. At the end of a month, two feeds per 
day should sufHce, and it should never be fed 
to the extent of producing an unduly lax 
condition of the bowels. The feeding of 
milk may be closed at the end of 3 or 4 
months, but may be continued longer, if de- 
sired. Good skim milk will produce nearly 
as much growth as new milk, but will furn- 
ish fat making material. To insure a good 
condition of flesh, some oil meal or ground 
linseed should be added to the milk, begin- 
ning with a small tablespoonful at first or 
even less, and increasing as the calves can 
take it without disturbance to the digestion. 
As soon as the calves will take meal, they 



rase 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



should be given bran and ground oats, or 
bran and some other ground meal. It may 
be constantly before them, but the box or 
vessel should be cleaned quite frequently. 
They may be allowed to take meal thus until 
they are five months old, after which the 
amount fed should be restricted, lest the 
food given should be unduly costly. They 
should also be given nice clean well cured 
fodder from the time that they will take it, 
and as much as they will eat of it. 

Close attention should be given to the 
feeding. Among the attentions of much 
importance are the following: — 

(1) Where many calves are fed simul- 
taneously, have them take their milk from 
clean pans in stanchions, and when they have 
taken it, throw a handful of meal into each 
pail to remove from them, for the time at 
least, that propensity which they have to suck 
one another. 

(2) Keep an ample supply of pure water 
accessible to them from the time that they 
are 2 to 4 weeks old. In hot weather this is 
greatly important. 

(3) Give them clean comfortable and airy 
quarters in winter, and furnish them with 
ample shade in summer. 

Page Thirty -eight 



DAIRY CALVES 



(4) Provide for them succulent pastures 
including such plants as clover, good blue 
grass, and dwarf essex rape. 

(5) Keep them in a good condition of 
flesh all the while, but don't allow them to 
become overfat. 

Calves Reared for the Dairy: — Calves in- 
tended to make cows for the dairy, should 
always be reared by hand. The method of 
feeding and caring for them is just the same 
as that outlined above when feeding and 
caring for calves intended for beef, with 
the differences now stated. These are: — 

(1) It is not necessary in the case of 
good strong calves, to continue feeding the 
whole milk for a longer period than one 
week, before beginning the change to skim 
milk. 

(2) It is not desirable to feed as much 
ground lindseed meal to dairy calves, lest they 
should become overfat. 

(3) For a similar reason they should not be given grain 
food so rich as that given to beef calves. They should, 
however, be kept growing right along and in good flesh; 
whole oats, make an excellent grain ration for this class 
of calves. 

Calves for Veal: — Calves for veal may be sold at any 
age that the law will allow, and onward until the age of 

Page Thirty-Nine 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



several months. When sold at an age under 
say 6 weeks, the veal would have to be made 
substantially from new milk. When sold at an 
age beyond the time mentioned, skim milk 
and meal may become important factors in 
feeding. In such instances the feeding 
would be the same as that outlined for the 
feeding of calves for beef, with the difference 
that the meal fed should be stronger. Corn 
meal with some bran, is excellent for such 

feeding. Of such food, the calves should be given as much 
as they can stand from the first. The aim is to keep 
them high fleshed. 




Keep the Beef Cattle Growing Continuously 



Page l<\)i t:>- 



The Feeding and Care of 
Young Cattle 



pnFTER the calf period, young cattle 
^Sy are grown for the following uses: 
¥ 1 (1) To furnish baby beef. 

(2) To furnish beef at a more ma- 
ture age, and 

(3) To furnish stock suitable for use in 
the dairy. These will now be discussed. 

Cattle Grown for Baby Beef: -Cattle in- 
tended for baby beef, should be kept grow- 
ing from birth until they are put upon the 
market, without cessation in growth for a 
single day. They should be kept in good 
condition all the while never losing what is 
termed the "calf tiesh" which means that 
nice soft plump condition which character- 
izes the well fed calf. 

The grain ration given to the calves dur- 
ingthe milk period, should be continued, but 
with certain modifications until they are 
ready for the market. The only season 
when such feeding may not be necessary, is 
while the pastures are abundant, palatable 
and succulent. When the calves come in 
the late autumn and are turned onto good pas- 
ture in, the spring, the grain ration maybe re- 

Page Foity-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



duced or even withheld for a few months, 
but it should be given again, if withheld for 
a time, as soon as the grass becomes dry. It 
should be materially increased the following 
winter, especially if the calves are to be sold 
in the spring at the age of 18 months. With 
animals thus grown, the finishing period 
need not last more than say three months. 
Before the finishing period, it will seldom be 
necessary to feed more than 3 to 5 pounds 
of mealdaily, and during the finishing period, 
not more than 6 to 8 pounds, provided the 
fodder fed, is suitable in kind. During the 
growing period, the grain may consist of 
wheat, bran, oats, and corn or barley, equal 
parts. During the finishing period, from ;^ 
to /3 of the grain ration should consist of 
corn, barley, speltzorrye. The grain should 
be ground. If the animals are to be carried 
to the age of 24 months, the grain ration 
should be moderate during the winter, with- 
held for a part of the summer, and renewed 
heavily again in the autumn. 

The Fodder Fed at all Times should be of 
good quality. That from the legumes, as 
clover, alfalfa, peas and vetches is best, but 
fodder from corn or sorghum or the non- 
saccharine sorghums is good. Corn ensil- 

Page Forty -two 



FEEDING AND CARE OF YOUNG CATTLE 




The Fat Kind-A Typical Angus Steer 

age is good for the feeding in winter as a 
part of the ration, and it furnishes cheap 
food. Field roots are also most excellent 
for developing growth in young animals. 
The finished animals should weigh about 
1000 pounds at 18 months, and 1250 to 1300 
pounds at 24 months. 

When Grown for More Mature Beef: When 
young cattle are grown for being fattened at 
the age of say 3 to 3/^ years, they too, should 
be kept growing in good form all the while. 
They should not be allowed to become thin 
and lean at any time. When on pasture, it 
will seldom be necessary to give them grain. 



Page Fortj'-thiee 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



Should the pasture become dry and scarce 
toward the approach of autum, it should be 
supplemented by feeding some such food as 
corn fodder or sorghum. In winter it 
doubtless pays in most instances, to feed 3 or 
4 pounds of ground grain daily, especially if 
straw or corn stover forms a part of the ra- 
tion. Such coarse fodders may be fed, but 
never to the extent of making the animals 
lose fiesh. A fairly liberal supply of field 
roots will render unnecessary the feeding of 
grain, even though the fodder should con- 
sist of straw and corn stover. Ensilage will 
also prove quite helpful. 

When Grown for the Dairy:— When young 
cattle are being grown for the dairy, they 
should be treated much like the animals re- 
ferred to above, but at no time should much 
grain be given to them, and at no time 
should they be in very high flesh, lest the 
system should form the habit more or less, of 
turning the food into fat rather than growth. 
On the other hand, they should not be al- 
lowed at any time to become lean, lest ulti- 
mate possible development should not be reached. If 
meal is fed, to any very considerable extent, it should not 
be made up of such carbonaceous foods as corn or rye. 
Durins^ the winter, field roots are excellent, for this class 
of stock. 



I'age Forty-four 




The Feeding and Care of Cat- 
tle While Fattening 

HE feeding and care of cattle while 
being finished, is usually done by one 
of three methods. 
(1) Finishing on grass. 
Finishing in the stall, and 
Finishing in a shed or grove. 
These will be considered separately. 
Finishing on' Grass:— When finished on 
range grasses, cattle can only be given that 
degree of finish that the grasses will furnish. 
When finished on arable pastures, these may 
be supplemented by soiling food or grain or 
by both, as occasion may require. When 
finished on arable pastures, so as to be turned 
off in the early summer months, it is neces- 
sary that they shall be given a few pounds of 
meal each day in the winter preceding, and 
that this shall be continued while they are 
on grass. When finished on grass in the 
autumn, meal is not absolutely necessary 
while the grass is at its best, but meal or 
grain in some form, will aid much in giving 
them a more complete finish. There is no 
better form in which this can be given than 
in the form of corn in the bundle, and 

Page Forty -ttve 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



Strewn from day to day, on some clean part 
of the pasture. 

Finishing in the Stall: --The finishing of 
cattle in the stall is usually done in the win- 
ter season, and it covers from 3 to 6 months 
of continuous feeding. Two or three weeks 
are called for at first in leading them up to 
full feeding, that is, preparing them for tak- 
ing all the food that they can consume prof- 
itably. The meal should have not less than 
50 per cent of bran in it, the other part be- 
ing composed of some heavier kind of grain, 
as corn, speltz, barley, or rye, fed in the 
ground form. Not more than 3 to 4 pounds 
should be fed daily at the first, the amount 
being gradually increased until that quant- 
ity is reached, which is not to be exceeded. 
This amount should seldom go beyond say 
12 pounds a day for an animal weighing 
1000 to 1200 pounds. The proportion of 
the carbonaceous meal as corn, should in- 
crease until it forms two-thirds, if not three- 
fourths, of the w^hole meal portion, the 
other parts being wheat, bran or ground 
oats; preferably the former. For 4 to 6 
weeks toward the close of the finishing, the 
meal ration will be improved by adding to it 
daily, one to two pounds of oilcake. 



Page Fdity-six 



FEEDING AND CARE OF CATTLE 



The fodder fed may consist of alfalfa, 
clover hay or clover and other hay, mixed, 
and fed in two feeds, the meal being also fed 
in two feeds. Some feeders feed three times 
daily, but in such feeding there is probably 
no advantage. Hay from the grasses only, is 
not so good as from the clovers. Good corn 
ensilage may be profitably fed to the amount 
of 20 to 30 pounds per day. Animals thus 
fed, should be allowed some exercise on 
mild days for a short time in a sheltered yard. 
The increase during the finishing period 
should run from 1>^ to 2 pounds per day. 

Finishing in a Shed or Grove:--- In the 
comparatively dry climates of the west, fin- 
ishing in a shed or grove or in some other 
sheltered place, is the method most common- 
ly adopted, when the cattle are fed in the 
winter season. When so fed they should be 
dehorned, lest they should injure one anoth- 
er. They should be protected from the 
wind and should have a good, dry bed to lie 
on. The dry character of the weather makes 
such feeding quite practicable. The gains 
made are quite as good as those obtained 
from cattle tied in the stall, and they are ob- 
tained without calling for nearly so much 
labor. The food may be the same in kind 

Page Forty-seven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




In Dry Climates G.oves Make Splendid rinishlr.^ Places lor Beef Cattle 

as that mentioned above, as suitable for cat- 
tle tied in the stall. 

When thus finished, the cattle are fre- 
quently fed on shock corn, supplemented 
with shelled corn and a small quantity of hay. 
When fed shelled corn only, as the grain 
portion, from 20 to 25 pounds are oftentimes 

fed daily. Swine are allowed to gather the corn found 
in the droppings. While thus engaged they too are be- 
ing fattened. Such feed was quite profitable years ago 
when corn was very cheap. It is much less profitable 
now because of the high price of corn. The animals should 
be well supplied with water and should have access to 
some form of salt at all times 



I'ag-e Forly-eijjht 



The Feeding and Care of 
Cows When in Milk 




HE feeding and care of cows when in 
milk will be considered: 
H) The age when they should come 
into milk. 

(2) Feeding and care in summer. 

(3) Feeding and care in winter. 

(4) The duration of the rest period, and 

(5) duration of the productive period. 

Age When Cows Should Begin to Milk:--- 

The common practice is to bring heifers 
into milk, when they are about 24 months 
old, with a view to develop in them the milk 
giving habit at an early age. Such early 
milk giving however, has been found ad- 
verse to large growth in the cows, hence 
many dairymen do not bring their heifers 
into milk until they are 30 months old. 

Feeding and Care in Summer:- -In summer 
the chief requisites for dairy cows are 
plentiful supplies of succulent food, ample 
shade and a goodly supply of pure water. So 
long as the pastures are plentiful and succu- 
lent, no other food is wanted, although a 
small quantity of meal may be fed without 
loss and possibly with benefit, even \\'hen 

Page FiJity-iiine 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



pastures are plentiful. As soon as the past- 
ures become dry or insufficient in quantity, 
supplemental soiling food should be fed. 
Cows cannot milk freely without food being 
plentiful, and unless a portion of it is succu- 
lent. This food may consist of alfalfa, peas 
and oats, or peas and vetches grown togeth- 
er, millet, corn and sorghum. These are 
cut and fed daily and they should be fed in 
liberal supply. Corn ensilage makes an ex- 
cellent green food, and it may be fed more 
conveniently than soiling food that is cut 
from day to day. 

Shade may be furnished by trees in the 
pastures or near them, but the shade furn- 
ished by darkened sheds or stables is super- 
ior, especially w^hen flies are plentiful. Run- 
ning streams in the pastures, or copious 
springs, are ideal for furnishing water. Next 
to these are wells from which the water is 
drawn up by wind power. Cows should 
not be allowed to drink stagnant water from 
ponds or pools when possible to avoid it, as 
such water is much liable to taint the milk. 

Feeding and Care in Winter:- -When cows 
freshen in the fall, it is especially important 
that they shall be given such treatment as 
will result in free milk giving. This means 

Page Fifty 



FEEDING AND CARE OF COWS 




Running Streams are Ideal for Furnishing Water. 

that they will be properly protected, prop- 
erly fed and properly milked. 

The protection or shelter for cows should 
be enough to keep them warm and dry. 
Where the winters are cold, this is usually 
best furnished in a stable with proper light 
and ventilation, but in some instances, they 
are kept in a shed, without being tied. 
When kept in stalls in stables, the plan is 
good which allows them to take exercise 
during a part of each day in a well lighted 
shed. The same may, or may not, be furn- 



Page Fifty-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



ished with fodder, fed in racks. This is a 
convenient phice for giving them access to 
water, which maybe taken from a tank. In 
tiiC absence of such a phice for taking exer- 
cise, they may take the same in a sheltered 
yard, but only on fine days and for an hour 
or two at a time. 

The fodder fed in winter, should be rich 
in protein, and fed as far as it may be prac- 
ticable to secure such forage. Alfalfa and 
clover furnish excellent protein fodder. 
The same is true of pea and oat, or vetch 
and oat hay. When such hay can be fed, 
good in quality, the meal called for is much 
less than w^hen other fodder, low in protein 
is fed, such as native or timothy hay, millet 
or corn fodder. The aim should be to furn- 
ish succulence in the form of ensilage or 
mangels. From 30 to 40 pounds of ensilage 
may be fed daily, or 25 to 30 pounds of 
mangels. Either of these classes of foods 
will add much to the fiow of the milk. 

Meal should be freely fed, if the milk pro- 
duction is to be maximum. With protein 
foods, such meal as ground corn, barley, rye 
or speltz, may furnish the bulk of the meal 
portion. When other fodders are fed, half 

Page FiflN -two 



FEEDING AND CARE IN WINTER 



the meal portion should be composed of 
wheat bran or wheat bran and shorts, com- 
bined. The plan is good which mixes the 
meal with cut fodder of some kind, when 
feeding it. In many instances the ensilage 
to be fed, is put into the feed box and the 
meal is thrown onto the same. The mixing 
is done by the cows when consuming the 
ensilage. The amount to be fed will vary 
with certain conditions, as the nature of the 
fodder, and the amount of milk which the cow 
is producing. It is common now to feed 
one pound of meal daily, for each three to 
four pounds of milk furnished by the cow. 
A cow giving 24 pounds of milk daily, would 
therefore need 8 pounds of meal, the fodder 
being of average composition. 

Cows should be milked with great regu- 
larity. Variation in this respect, will tend to 
lessen the production of milk. A record of 
the milk given, should be kept at the time of 
each milking. The milk should be tested 
say, three times in each month, to ascertain 
the amount of butter fat which it contains. 
In this way may be ascertained the produc- 
tion of each cow. The information thus 
obtained, makes it possible for the owner to 

Page Fifty- three 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



improve the production from his herd, by 
discarding the cows that are not good pro- 
ducers. 

Duration of the Rest Period:- -In some in- 
stances cows are kept in milk for a term of 
years, without allowing them to go dry. The 
plan is not to be commended, as it taxes too 
much the stamina of the cow and is adverse 
to desirable stamina in the progeny. The 
rest period, that is the period during which 
the cow should go dry between the periods 
of lactation, should be not less than 6 weeks; 
usually this period may best occur in the 
autumn, while the grasses are dry. 

Duration of Production: -The time during 
which a cow should be retained in the herd, 
will depend upon the continuance of her 
profitable production. It cannot be stated 
exactly in years, as cows differ much in the 
age to which they will continue to produce 
well. They do not reach maximum pro- 
duction until they are four or five years old. 
They should be able to maintain this for five 
or six years more; hence cows properly 
managed, should produce well until they are 
ten to twelve years old. 

Page Fifty -four 



The Feeding and Care of the 
Male 




HE discussion of the feeding and care 
of the male will consider, 

(1) The food called for, 

(2) The protection called for, 
(3) The exercise called for. 

Males should not be allowed to run with 
the females, first, because of the danger to 
life that is involved, and second, because it 
is not good for the males. 

Food Required: — Males should be grown 
and maintained chiefly on protein foods. If 
fed mainly on carbonaceous foods during 
development, it will not be satisfactory. If 
fed chiefly on such foods subsequently, the 
procreative powers w^ill be injured. The 
food in summer, should have succulence 
which may be given as soiling food. In 
winter, the succulence may be given as field 
roots or ensilage, but preferably the former. 
They should not be maintained in high flesh, 
but, on the other hand, they should not be 
kept lean. A small amount of meal will 
probably be called for, but it should not be 
carbonaceous. The feeding should be more 
free, as the service called for is exacting. 



Page Fifty- five 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



Protection Required:---In wet climates, the 
male should be given the protection of a 
stable, but in dry climates, the protection 
of a shed will suffice. Trees in the paddock 
will give the requisite shade in summer, but 
not so well as the stable or shed when dark- 
ened and properly ventilated, as flies shun 
dark places. 

Exercise Required:--- More or less of op- 
portunity to exercise is absolutely necessary 
to the well being of the male. In summer 
this may be obtained in the paddock, to 
which the male should have access. In 
winter it may be obtained, in part at least, in 
a yard adjacent to the quarters in which the 
male is kept. In some instances exercise is 
secured by working the male as on treid 
power, or in some other way. There is merit 
in thus enforcing exercise. In no instances 
should males be kept tied in the stall. 

F'ase Fitl\-six 



Winter Rations 




'^*^^/->' 



A Contented Bunch on Winter Rations 



HIS is a subject that needs the careful 
consideration of every farmer and 
stockman, who would realize a profit 
for his pains. 
In the summer, when plants and grains are 
plentiful, and the cattle are able to forage 
largely for themselves, they naturally choose 
those plants which their needs require. In 
winter however, it depends w^holly upon the 
keeper to supply these essentials, and to pro- 



Page Fifty-seven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



vide those elements which nature demands. 

It is not sufficient that the animals have 
plenty to eat. They may be ^'eating their 
heads off" and still not be putting on flesh 
nor building bone and muscle, nor making 
blood to keep them warm. This is because 
no one article of food contains all the ele- 
ments needed to build a perfect body. 

All animals require a ration that contains 
three essential elements: Protein, carbohy- 
drates and fat. 

Protein supplies bone, muscle, hair, albu- 
men, etc. It is very necessary to supply 
plenty of protein, in order to build a good 
frame and give it strength. Alfalfa and oil 
meal are especially rich in protein. 

Carbohydrates supply the sugar, starch, 
fibre, etc. Their mission is to produce fat, 
or heat and energy. Naturally cattle re- 
quire more carbohydrates in winter, than in 
summer, as more fuelis required to keep them 
warm. In this connection it is very essen- 
tial that winter quarters be warm and com- 
fortable; otherwise too much of the feed will 
be used in producing heat. 

Pase Fifty -eight 



WINTER RATIONS 



The third element, fat, is the very best 
food for producing heat and laying on of 
fatty tissue. One pound of fat is estimated 
to do the work of 2'4 pounds of carbohy- 
drates. The feeds especially rich in fats and 
carbohydrates, are corn, timothy, barley, etc. 

When you know what elements are re- 
quired by your animals, you are in a position 
to compound a ration that will be most ef- 
ficient for the animal, and economical to you. 
This will depend largely upon whether you 
are feeding for beef or for dairy purposes. 
Tables for all purposes may be obtained by 
writing to your state experiment station. 

Whether cattle are being fed for beef or 
dairy purposes, the herd will do best if given 
succulent rations in combination with other 
feed. Cattle always do best on fresh, green 
pasture. The advent of the modern silo has 
made it possible for nearly every stockman 
and farmer to provide this highly relished 
ration for his stock, through the entire winter. 

Green summer feed, stored in silos for 
winter feeding, is called ensilage. Usually 
it is made of corn, but may be other crops. 
The principle of the silo is the same as that 
of the housewife's fruit cans — the product is 
put into an air tight container, and preserves 

Page Fiftj'-nine 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




The Silo Provides Succulent Ration in Winter 

its freshness and crispness until cpened for 
use. In addition to providing a valuable 
feed for winter use, it also provides against a 
summer drought when the pastures are burn- 
ed out. It is not necessary to depend upon 
the weather conditions in any respect. 

Because of its succulence, silage exerts a 
wonderful effect on the digestion of the ani- 
mals; this in itself, tends to better growth 
and larger milk flow. It has been said that 
the difference between silage and the ordi- 



]*age Sixty 



WINTER RATIONS 



nary winter feed may be likened to the dif- 
ference between a ripe, juicy apple and the 
green dried fruit. The fat and heat pro- 
ducing element, carbohydrates, is very pro- 
nounced in silage, and must be balanced by 
some feed strong in protein, to supply the 
proper bone and muscle element. Alfalfa is 
one of the best for a balancing ration and 
possesses the added advantage of being 
cheap, which makes possible the greatest 
economy in w^inter feeding. In the absence 
of alfalfa, bran or gluten meal may be sub- 
stituted. 

It is best to feed silage inside where ani- 
mals can eat it without waste or without 
danger of the silage freezing. Never feed 
silage in a frozen condition. If frozen, it 
should be thawed out; then it becomes as 
nutritious and is just as greatly relished, as 
before freezing. If fed w^hile frozen, it may 
bring on indigestion with its resultant fol- 
low^ing of lowered vitality, lessened milk 
flow and decreased gain in flesh. The Wis- 
consin Agricultural Bulletin No. 125 says 
''AH careful stockmen heat their drinking 
water, but it is a much more serious matter 
to feed a cow 40 pounds of silage at 32 de- 

I'ayt- Sixt\-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



grees, than to give her 20 to 30 pounds of ice 



water." 



Careful tests have demonstrated that ten 
tons of silage, worth $40, may be grown on 
one acre of ground, whereas the same acre 
will produce only two tons of hay worth $24. 
This is an average of $16.00 per acre, in fav- 
or of silage. The cost of harvesting two 
tons of hay, is about $vl.OO, while you can 
harvest five tons of silage for the same 
amount. 

Assuming that the average cow will con- 
sume five tons of silage per year, you can 
feed two cows an entire year, or four cows 
six months, from the product of one acre. 
It has also been demonstrated that it takes 
two acres to pasture one cow through six 
summer months. This being true, it shows 
that, with the silo, it is possible to maintain 
eight head of cows, on the same acreage re- 
quired to keep one cow, without a silo. 

The Missouri Farmers' Bulletin No. 11, 
sums up the advantage of silage as follows: 

(1) Silage keeps young stock thrifty and 
growing all winter. 

(2) It produces fat beef more cheaply 
than does dry feed. 

Page Sixty -two 



WINTER RATIONS 



(2) It enables cows to produce milk and 
butter more economically. 

(4) Silage is more conveniently handled 
than dry fodder. 

(5) The Silo prevents waste of corn stalks, 
which contain about one-third the food value 
of the entire crop. 

(6) There are no aggravating corn stalks 
in the manure when silage is fed. 

(7) The silo will make palatable food of 
stuff that would not otherwise be eaten. 

(8) It enables a larger number of animals 
to be maintained on a given number of acres. 

(9) It enables the farmer to preserve 
food which matures at a rainy time of the 
year, when drying would be next to im- 
possible. 

(10) It is the most economical method 
of supplying food for the stock during the 
hot, dry periods in summer, when the pas- 
ture is short. 

The silo will be found a paying investment 
wherever ten cows or more, are kept. The 
cost of erecting a silo need not exceed $3 
per ton capacity, and may be built for 

less. Xhe cost of ensilage will run, on the average farm, 
from 50c to 75c per ton. A good dairy cow will con- 
sume four or five tons of silage on an average per year. 

Page Sixty-three 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Good Silo is One of the Best Paying Investments 

For youn*^ stock reduce the average about one-third. 

In feeding silage it is well to begin gradually, increas- 
ing the ration as they become used to it, until, in the 
case of the fully developed cattle, you are feeding about 
30 pounds per day. However, the amount will depend 
somewhat upon the ration fed with it. 



Improving the Dairy Herd 




ARMERS and dairymen alike, who 
expect to realize the greatest profits 
from their herds, must weed out the 
non-producers and keep only such 
cows, as are capable of producing a heavy 
flow of milk and high percentage of butter 
fat. It will not do to rely on guess work if 
the greatest efficiency of the herd is desired. 
It often happens that when a strict test is 
made, it is found thattwo or three cows are 
consuming all the profits of the good cows. 
The quicker they are culled out, the better. 

It is not difficult to get an exact tab on 
every cow in the herd. A fourteen year old 
boy can make the tests and give you just the 
information you want. The essentials are, 
I'st., a good pair of scales, (spring balance are 
the handiest) 2'nd., A Babcock Tester, and 
3'rd., painstaking care and accuracy. 

In order to determine the exact produc- 
ing capacity of each cow, it is necessary to 
weigh her milk after each milking. A sheet 
of paper with a space for each cow's record 
every day for a month, should be tacked up 
by the scales. In this way the exact number 

Page Sixty -Ave 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



of pounds of milk each cow produces each 
month may be determined. 

One of the advantages of weighing the 
milk every day, is that, if a cow drops below 
her daily average, the cause may be ascer- 
tained immediately and the remedy applied 
before a decided loss results. If a decided 
drop occurs, investigation will probablyshow 
the cow has been clubbed or kicked or been 
run by a dog or exposed to cold drafts, or 
otherwise abused. 

A good milker should give 6,000 pounds 
of milk in 300 days, or an average of 20 
pounds daily. Some herds will average over 
10,000. The results will depend upon the 
breed, and the care given. To get the best 
results, the feeding problem must be studied 
carefully, and accurate record kept. The 
separate ingredients should be weighed and 
their value determined. Only in this way 
can the value of any cow be determined. 
A careful record of this kind, may show that 
certain cows are not paying for their keep. 
Again it may show that your herd have been 
wasting a large percent of their feed, by 
sending it to the manure pile, because you 
have been feeding more of one certain ele- 

Page Sixty-six 



IMPROVING THE DAIRY HERD 




A Holstein Pasture Group 

ment than they can take care of, while they 
are not getting enough of other elements. 

In order to compound a ration for your 
herd, it will be advantageous for every farm- 
er to send to the nearest experiment station 
to get a table of rations suited to his herd. 
Ordinarily a 1,100 pound cow, giving 15 
pounds of milk daily, if fed on clover hay and 
corn fodder, will require 12 pounds of clover 
and 10 pounds of fodder. In addition she 
will require 4 pounds of corn and 1 pound 
of bran. 

The same cow fed on ensilage, will require 



Page Sixty -seven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



the same amount of clover and bran, but in- 
stead of grain 4 pounds of corn meal, should 
be given and 30 pounds of ensilage. 

Whatever ration is fed, they should have 
daily access to ''Sal-Vet" as this will enable 
them to digest their food properly, and keep 
their systems in perfect tone and condition. 

Another requirement for culling out the 
unprofitable members of your herd and giv- 
ing you accurate information covering the 
profitableness of each cow, is the Babcock 
test. This simple little contrivance has had 
a wonderful influence on the dairy business, 
by showing up the weak members of the 
herds, and allowing their owners to get rid 
of them. 

Butter Fat Test. 

Before the invention of the Babcock Test- 
er there was no way of telling just how much 
butter fat was contained in milk. It was 
known that some cows gave richer milk 
than others, but there was no way to deter- 
mine how much more it was worth in butter 
producing quality. 

With the coming of the creameries it be- 
came necessary to have this information be- 

Pa&e Sixty-eight 



IMPROVING THE DAIRY HERD 




Evidence of Thrift and Contentment 

cause the creamery pays according to the 
amount of butter fat contained in the cream. 
In inventing the test, Dr. Babcock made 
use of two well known principles. One is 
the fact that cream is lighter than milk 
which causes the milk to settle to the bot- 
tom of a vessel, while the cream rises to the 
top. The other is the fact that all bodies 
fly in a straight line, unless acted upon by 
some other force. Thus a revolving body 
has a tendency to fly away from the center 
around which it revolves. 



Page Sixty-nine 



SAL-Vl^T CATTLE BOOK 



These two principles were combined in a 
machine holding a number of small bottles, 
so placed that, when the crank is turned, the 
bottles are whirled rapidly with the bottoms 
farthest from the center. The milk, being 
heavier than the cream, is thrown with more 
force and consequently farther away, which 
forces it all to the outside or bottom of the 
bottles while the cream is forced into the 
the neck of the bottles. Before putting the 
bottles into the machine, sulphuric acid is 
added to the milk; this breaks down the 
cells, and makes it easier to separate the milk 
and cream. 

The necks of the bottles are divided into 
spaces indicated by marks in the glass, and 
by noticing the number of spaces filled by 
the cream, the percent of butter fat is deter- 
mined. If three spaces are filled, the milk 
tests three percent and means that 100 lbs. 
of that cow's milk, contains three pounds of 
butter fat. If six spaces are filled, the milk 
tests six percent, and means that 100 pounds 
of that cow's milk, contains six pounds of 
butter fat. 

How such a test sometimes turns out, is 
shown by one recently made in New York 

Page Seventy 



IMPROVING THE DAIRY HERD 



State, on a herd of 32 cows. The test show- 
ed an annual profit of $615 for the entire 
herd. It also showed the startling fact that 
$600 of this amount, was produced by fifteen 
cows, leaving only $15.00 as the profit from 
the other seventeen cows. In other words, 
the owner was getting $40.00 a year for 
milking, feeding and caring for each of his 
fifteen good cows, while, at the same time 
he was getting 88c a year for milking, feeding 
and caring for each of his seventeen poor 
cows. 

Such information is necessary if you wish 
to bring your herd up to the highest point 
of efficiency. The low producing cows 
must be eliminated, and their places filled by 
high producing cows. A farmer selling his 
milk to the creamery, would not keep a three 
percent oow, when his other cows were pro- 
ducing six percent milk, unless she gave 
twice the number of pounds of milk. He 
could not afford it. It costs just as much to 
keep the three percent cow, often more, 
yet her milk brings onlyhalf asmuchmoney. 

By following this plan suggested, any farm- 
er can make his herd profit earners instead 
of a necessary farm nuisance, or simply a 
convenience. A boy who is steady and 

Pagre Seventy-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 




A Winning Combination— Beef and Pork 

trustworthy, can earn a man's wages on 
the farm, by taking charge of the milkers 
and by careful weighing, testing and elimi- 
nating, build up the herd to a high state of 
proficiency. He may even find that one or 
more of your cows are worth a great deal 
more to you, than you have thought. This 
is the way the wonderful butter cow, Yeksa 
Sunbeam, was discovered. This wonderful 
cow was owned by a man in Minnesota who 
did not weigh nor test his milk, nor pay any 
particular attention to her feed or care. He 



Page Seventy-two 



IMPROVING THE DAIRY HERD 



did not know her worth and she was sold 

to Mr. R of Wisconsin. Mr. 

R is a scientific dairyman, and soon 

found out what a valuable animal she was. 
By care and proper feeding, this cow became 
the world's champion butter maker, pro- 
ducing in one year 14,920 pounds of milk 
and 1000 pounds of butter. 



Sources of Waste 




COMMON source of waste, espec- 
ially on the small stock farm is the 
out of date method of skimming the 
cream from the milk. The loss of 
butter fat by the three most common skim- 
ming methods, water dilution, shallow pan 
and deep setting, is from 7 to 12 times as 
great as the loss from the modern centrifugal 
separator. 

The money loss from even an average cow 
will amount to $10 to $15 annually. In 
addition to this there is an even greater loss 
in the value of the skim milk as a feeding 
ration. Calves and pigs fed on fresh, warm, 
skim milk, just as it comes from the cow and 

Page Seventy -three 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



is separated, show a far better development 
of bone and muscle, than when fed on cold 
hand-skimmed milk. It is, in fact, one of 
the most valuable foods for growing animals. 
Also cream and butter produced by the cen- 
trifugal separator, is smoother and of more 
uniform quality and commands a better 
market price. 

There are now so many good separators 
on the market and so many sizes, that the 
man who keeps even one cow, can secure a 
machine suited to his capacity. The in- 



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Keep Only the Best Producing Cows 

rage Seventy-four 



SOURCES OF WASTE 



creased amount of cream which the centri- 
fugal separator secures, will pay for a ma- 
chine in a short time, and after that, will pay 
a good profit every day. 

Whether you keep one cow or fifty cows 
a separator will eliminate a very prolific 
source of waste. 

A considerable loss may result, unless care 
is taken in watering the stock, especially in 
the winter. The proper place to water 
stock in cold weather is the stable. If cows 
are turned out doors on cold, winter days, 
they will drink only enough to quench their 
immediate thirst. This is disastrous to the 
milk supply of the dairy cow, since water 
enters very largely into the production of 
milk. The cold water also chills the inter- 
nal organs, retarding digestion and at the 
same time making it necessary for the ani- 
mal to burn up an unusual supply of grain 
and feed, to regain the lost heat. Whether 
winter or summer, the drinking water should 
be cool but not cold. The farmer who 
pumps his water trough full of water from a 
deep, cold well and then turns his cattle to 
it from a hot sultry pasture, is inviting ser- 
ious loss. The water should be allowed to 
stand in the sun long enough to take off the 

Page Seventy-five 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



chill. If this is not done, the cold water will 
hurt their teeth and they will go away thirsty 
or drink any foul, stagnant water that may 
be accessible. In dairy cows this produces 
a diminished and inferior flow of milk, while 
in beef cattle, it brings stagnant growth, 
both of which mean taking dollars and 
cents out of the pocket of the owner. It 
will prove to be time and money well invest- 
ed, to provide for piping or carrying 
water direct to the stables in winter, and for 
slightly warming the very cold water, in the 
summer. 

The losses likely to result if cows are al- 
lowed to become cold and uncomfortable, is 
considerable. However, in endeavoring to 
maintain warm quarters, we must not over- 
look the equally important feature of pure, 
fresh air and sunlight. These requisites are 
just as necessary as warmth and water. 

Many stables are so arranged that the cows 
stand facing each other, with feedway be- 
tween them. While this is the handiest ar- 
rangement for the feeder, it is not the most 
sanitary, for the reason that the poisonous 
carbonic acid gas exhaled by one animal, is 

Page Seventy-six 



SOURCES OF WASTE 




Plenty of Fresh, Pure Water Is Necessary 

immediately taken into the lungs of the op- 
posite animal. The better arrangement is 
to have the feeding alleys next to the outer 
walls. This gives the cows the advantage of 
pure air, and places the hind quarters of the 
animals, which need the most protection, 
nearest the center of the barn w^here it is 
warmer. A constant circulation of air should 
be provided by fresh air inlets, to bring in 
the crisp, outside air, while ventilators run- 
ning from floor to roof, carry away the 
foul air. The walls should be tight, as open 



Page Seventy -seven 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



cracks which admit cold drafts, cause a sensi- 
tive cow to suffer greatly, and thereby de- 
crease her milk flow. Fresh air is best ad- 
mitted through windows, hinged at the bot- 
tom. By opening only part way the air is 
brought into the stable without causing a 
direct current to strike the cows. 

Plenty of windows should be provided to 
admit sunlight to flood the interior. Sun- 
light is just as necessary as fresh air. If such 
precautionary measures as these are taken, the 
increased vitality of the cows will speedily 
show, in the increased butter and milk yield. 

Beef cattle and all those not being 
milked, and that are usually left to shift more 
or less for themselves, should also be pro- 
vided with shelter from the cold rains and 
wind of winter. The small farmer or breed- 
er who does not have stable facilities for all 
his stock, may provide a shelter at small 
expense by erecting an enclosure, open on 
one side only, and surrounded on top and 
three sides with bundles of fodder, which 
shut out wind and rain. Such an enclosure 
is warm and comfortable. It must of course 
be built adjoining buildings or fences, so that 
the stock cannot get around behind it and 
tear it down. 

Page Se\ent.\-eig-ht 



By-products 




HE farmer or dairyman who would 

realize the utmost from his cattle, 

must not fail to take into account the 

by-products. In this class we may 

enumerate skim milk, butter-milk, smear 

case, whey, hides of dressed beeves and 

manure. 

As the fertility of the farm depends upon 
the fertilizing elements that are put back 
upon it, it is obvious that the by-products 
are best used in such a way, as to return them 
to the farm soil. For this reason it is not 
wise to dispose of them away from the farm, 
unless an exceptional price is realized. 

The greatest asset in the line of by-pro- 
ducts, is the manure. It is estimated that a 
well fed cow will produce about ten tons, 
having a commercial value of $2.00 or more, 
per ton. Manure is the resultant of 80 per 
cent of all feed given to the cow. To get 
the greatest value from manure, it should be 
treated with gypsum or some other preser- 
vative, to absorb and hold the ammonia. 

Manure should be regarded as one of the 
most precious assets on the farm, and every 
precaution taken to preserve and safeguard 
it, that none of its value may be lost. By the 

Page Seventy-nine 



BY-PRODUCTS 



usual methods of piling it on the ground or 
storing in open pens, a third to a half of its 
value is wasted, due to the fact that heavy 
rains wash away the most valuable elements, 
or they are burned out by "firing", due to 
lack of sufficient moisture. This trouble 
may be overcome and a superior quality of 
fertilizer made, by storing the manure in a 
concrete manure pit. This pit should be 
located so that it is handy to the stables, and 
so that the liquid manure from the stables, 
feeding floors and barnyard, drain into it. 
The floor should slope to one corner, in 
which should be placed a slump hole, to 
catch and retain the liquids. When the 
manure is hauled out, the liquid which is the 
most valuable part by 50 per cent, may be 
saved, by bailing or pumping it from the 
hole. One load of well rotted pit manure, is 
worth two loads, stored the ordinary way. 

Next in importance among the by-pro- 
ducts, is skim milk. It is one of the most 
valuable feeds for calves, pigs and all grow- 
ing animals. Skim milk contains a very 
large per cent of protein, which is bone and 
muscle producing. As the important thing 
for growing stock is bone and muscle, and 
not fat, it follows that skim milk is an espec- 



I'age Eighty 



BY-PRODUCTS 



ially desirable and profitable ration. By 
feeding the skim milk, still warm from the 
cow, it is in the best condition to be taken 
up and assimilated by the system. It is a 
demonstrated fact, that calves fed on skim 
milk, while not so fat as those fed on whole 
milk, attain a better bone and muscle de- 
velopment. 

Regarding the feeding value of skim milk 
as a ration for growing pigs, the Arizona 
Agricultural Experiment Station in its Bul- 
letin No. 43 says: 

''The pigs weighed 81 pounds each when 
they came to the farm. They followed the 
steers and were fed skim milk. In 113 days 
they ate 6,000 pounds of skim milk, gained 
248 pounds in weight and increased $16.12 
in value. With pork at 6/^c a pound, they 
thus paid for their skim milk at the rate of 
26.7 cents per hundred pounds." 

The value of skim milk as a growing ra- 
tion for calves, is endorsed as follows, in 
Bulletin No. 72— Virginia Agricultural Ex- 
periment Station: 

"At eight months of age, there was little 
difference in weight or appearance between 
calves developed on whole milk, and those 
on fresh skim milk, but the cost per pound 

Page Eighty -one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 





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A Group of Angus Heifers 

of grain for calves fed on whole milk was 
slightly over 10 cents as compared to 3 or 
4 cents, for calves fed on fresh skim milk.** 
Buttermilk holds high rank as a by-pro- 
duct, being highly nutritious and a favorite 
beverage with many persons. It is in heavy 
demand in large city hotels, lunch counters 
and drug stores. It is often recommended 
by physicians, being especially valuable in 
cases of intestinal trouble. An ordinary 
tumbler of buttermilk contains as much nu- 
triment, as half pint of oysters costing 20 cents. 
Like skim milk, the principal food ingred- 



Pag-e Eighty -two 



BY-PRODUCTS 



ient is protein. This is the most expensive 
food element, and is the one most generally 
lacking in costly meals. Buttermilk sup- 
plies this deficiency in a nutritious and inex- 
pensive form. 

Cottage Cheese or smearcase is wholesome, nutri- 
tious food, and is especially relished by fowls. 

Whey consists mostly of water and sugar. It is ex- 
cellent for pigs, when balanced with wheat bran. 

Hides properly tanned, make excellent robes. When 
hides are removed from calves or beeves, they should be 
well salted. Rub it on thoroughly and roll the hide until 
ready for market or for tanning. 




A Champion Shorthorn Steer 



Page Eighty -three 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



FACTS WORTH KNOWING 

Don't run the milk cows, if you expect them to yield you 
a profit. 

Bloody or stringy milk may be overcome by feeding nutri- 
tious food and giving "Sal- Vet" daily. 

Clover hay and good yellow carrots will give the right color 
to your butter. 

Leaky teats should be treated only when the cow is "dry." 
Cauterize the opening with caustic potash or a hot knitting 
needle. 

Blue milk is an indication of impoverished blood. Feed 
•'Sal-Vet" to overcome this condition. 

Cows with depraved appetites will lick boards, eat dirt and 
straw manure, which taint the butter. Give wholesome feed 
and "Sal-Vet" to overcome the tendency. 

Many a good cow has been ruined as a milker, by blows on 
the udder, from stones or clubs. Teach the boys not to throw 
at the cows. 

Never attempt to drench cattle. When their heads are in 
position for drenching, they cannot swallow and the drench is 
very liable to go into the lungs, causing more serious trouble 
than the one it was intended to cure. 

The first milk of a cow after calving, is rich in albumen 
and salts. This is to purge the bowels of the calf of a tenacious 
sticky yellow matter, which must be removed before nature will 
perform her functions properly. See to it that the calf gets 
this first milk, otherwise the calf will probably be costive and 
may have considerable trouble. 

Indigestion is the cause of 90 percent of the ills of all farm 
animals. Guard against it as you would a plague. There is no 
better nor more effective way of doing this, than keeping "Sal- 
Vet," where your animals can have free access to it every day. 
It will put their digestion in good order, tone the system, and 
keep your animals in condition. 

Lead poisoning often results from cattle licking newly 
painted barns and in that way swallowing a quantity of white 
lead. They seem to have a mania for licking paint. Keep 
them away from it. Do not throw empty paint cans into the 
pasture where they can get at them, neither should you paint a 
silo inside, immediately before filling. 

Page Eighty -four 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 



While cattle are not so apt to develop intestinal diseases 
as hogs and sheep, worms often attack them, and retard 
thrift. This condition affects your profits probably as 
much as in the case of other stock. A bull out of condition 
makes him undesirable for use on your herd. Steers that are 
infected, will not fatten readily. The milk yield from the dairy 
cow is decidedly decreased by this condition. 

Indigestion and disordered liver are the most common ail- 
ments affecting cattle. 

The skin in its feeling and appearance, is an important 
guide to the condition of cattle. 

A dry, lusterless appearance, and what is called "hide- 
bound," are symptoms of poor nutrition, arising from indiges- 
tion, improper food, and worms. 

The "staring coat" indicates debility or lack of good con- 
dition. 

When cattle lose their cud— that is, cease to ruminate 
without apparent cause, there is some interference with the 
digestive process. No animal can thrive in this condition. 

Owing to the abnormal demand made upon them, milch cows 
are most liable to get out of condition. 

The dairy cow is expected not only to be maintained in 
good condition, but also to give the needed nourishment to her 
unborn calf. 

The period of lactation has been extended for a period 
longer than is naturally required of the cow for the sustenance 
of her calf, and often there is no let-up in the demands upon her 
between the birth of one calf and the next. 

It is for this reason that cows have a tendency to tubercu- 
lar trouble. 

When the digestion has become impaired, or the liver dis- 
ordered, the milk glands are called upon to assist in eliminating 
the poisonous matter from the blood. This infects the milk 
and reduces the yield as well. 

By giving "Sal-Vet" tone and health are imparted to the di- 
gestive organs and the milk secreting glands, and so the nor- 
mal yield from what you feed, will be obtained. 

It is only by keeping cows in this state of good condition 
that they are enabled to produce the greatest amount of milk 
from their feed. 

Page Eighty-five 



FACTS WORTH KNOWING 



Abortion. 

Abortion is one of the most troublesome maladies with 
which cattle raisers have to contend. It is most commonly due 
to contagion, altho' it may result from a number of other causes, 
such as blows and kicks from vicious keepers, being horned by 
other catile, falling, slipping or straining, internal chilling from 
ice water, over-feeding, giving spoiled rations, or sudden change 
of diet. These latter causes may all be avoided by careful own- 
ers, but contagion is not so easily handled. 

Contagious abortion is a germ disease, which may be communi- 
cated to an entire herd, or even to all the cattle in the neighbor- 
hood. The loss through this one disease in a single year is 
enormous and may be conservatively estimated at $130,000,000 
to $150,000,000 annually. 

The Symptoms of Abortion. 

If more than one cow out of a herd meets with abortion, it 
is cause for suspicion and should be thoroughly investigated, and 
a careful watch put on the entire herd. Usually an afflicted cow 
will show a swelling of the vulva, and there is a disposition not 
to mix with the rest of the herd. She will cease to chew her 
cud and becomes restless on her feet. 

The first unmistakable symptoms are the presence of small 
red spots on the lining of the membrane of the vulva. This is 
an infallible sign; any cow so afflicted, is in condition to 
spread the contagion to the entire herd. 

How to Eradicate the Disease. 

It is not sufficient to isolate the afflicted cow, or to treat her 
separately, in order to stamp out the disease. Nothing but the 
most thorough measures with the entire herd and also with their 
living quarters, will suffice. Calves dropped by affected cows, 
will certainly bear the germs in their blood, and as they gener- 
ally have scours, their excrement is a fruitful source of infection. 

The most dangerous and fruitful source of contagion, is the 
bull. After he has served an affiicted cow, he will carry the 
germs to all the cows of the herd or neighbors' herds. 

The genital organs of both cow and bull should receive a 
thorough syringing with a solution of water and a reliable dis- 
infectant, using one ounce of the latter to a gallon of water. Clip 
the hair from the sheath of the bull and from the cow's tail, 
from switch to back bone. Disinfect the stables thoroughly, not 

Page Eighty -six 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 



forgetting the calves' stalls. Make a thorough job of it. Sweep 
down the walls, scrub the floors with hot water and washing 
soda. Apply carbolic acid and water in the proportion of 1 to 
ti), to all exposed surfaces. Remove earth floors to a depth of 
three inches and substitute cement or new earth. Whitewash 
the quarters thoroughly, and admit all the sunlight possible. 

Afterbirth must be removed immediately, and burned or 
deeply buried. 

B -lild for vigor and pure, rich blood by feeding the herd 
"Sal-Vet". Keep it where the animals can have access to it at 
all times. It will rid them of stomach and intestinal worms, 
enable them to get the full benefit of their feed, and put the herd 
in condition to better withstand contagion. 

"Since feeding SAL-VET for a couple of years to my cows, tliere 
has not been a case of abortion among them. I also find it the best 
tonic I can get for young pigs." 

C. N. McCauley, Darrowville, Ohio. 

Anthrax. 

Anthrax is a dangerous germ disease. It is primarily a dis- 
ease of cattle, but may be communicated to other animals; even 
man may contract it as a result of skinning an animal, that has 
diei of the disease. 

Cattle afflicted with Anthrax usually develop a fever of 106 
or 107 degrees. They manifest great weakness, their jaws 
champ, limbs tremble and violent chills are developed. The 
horns and ears become cold, the nostrils distend and they breath 
hard and with open mouth. The mucous membranes of the 
nose and mouth become blue, and in the last stages of the dis- 
ease, blood oozes from nose, mouth and bowels. 

All animals that are hopelessly sick should be killed. Cover 
with quicklime and bury deep. Disinfect the premises thorough- 
ly with carbolic solution. Mix twelve ounces each of carbolic 
acid and sodium bicarbonate, with four fluid ounces of glycerine. 
Give a tablespoonful of this preparation in a quart of water, 
morning, noon and night to all suspected animals. 

Place 'Sal-Vet' where all animals can run to it at will. The 
'Sal-Vet' acts as a stimulant, tonic and blood purifier, and will 
put the herd in condition to better resist the disease. 

Barrenness. 

This condition arises from diseased, imperfect, or unnatural 
reproductive organs. The causes which lead to barrenness may 

Page Eighty-seven 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 



be transmitted, and for that reason, this condition in a herd 
should be carefully investigated. A retention of the afterbirth, 
becoming decomposed, may produce a catarrhal condi- 
tion and cause barrenness. A cow afflicted with a catarrhal 
discharge, if bred to a perfectly healthy bull, may be the means 
of spreading the infection through an entire herd. 

Before breeding, a cow should be carefully observed and 
should be brought into the highest state of vigor and hardiness 
by daily feeding of 'Sal-Vet.' If unnatural discharges are ap- 
parent, such as a red or chocolate discharge with a sweetish, 
sickening odor, she should not be allowed to breed. The most 
essential thing is to build up the constitution, enrich the blood 
and put the cow into a state to resist and overcome the disease. 
This may best be done by allowing free access to 'Sal-Vet'. It 
strengthens every part, enriches the blood, improves the diges- 
tion when faulty and puts the animal in fine physical condition. 

Tympanites, Hoven or Bloating. 

Bloating is the result of fermentation of gas in the paunch. 
The condition is due primarily to indigestion. This may result 
from a too greedy eating of young clover, especially if wet or 
frosty. Any food eaten too hastily, or when too cold or too wet, 
is liable to disarrange the digestive processes and set up a fer- 
mentation, causing bloat. 

The symptoms of bloat are a drum-like swelling on the left 
side immediately in front of the hip. The animal moves uneasi- 
ly and gives every indication of distress. The trouble usually 
comes on quite suddenly and unless relieved, the stomach becomes 
enormously distended and suffocation may ensue. In severe 
cases, death may result in from 10 to 30 minutes. 

Unless the case is too far advanced, the most simple remedy 
is to exercise the animal. A brisk run of half a mile will usually 
effect a recovery. In urgent cases, puncture the paunch imme- 
diately with tractor and canula. This is a sharp blade in a tube 
about half an inch in diameter and eight inches long. When 
the puncture is made, the tube remains in the opening, allowing 
the gases to escape, and giving instant relief. This instrument 
should be a last resort only, and should be used only under the 
direction of a veterinarian. 

Pag-e Eighty-eight 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 



If the animal is not greatly distressed and exercising fails to 
produce results, give two ounces of aromatic spirits of ammonia 
in one quart of cold water every half hour, or one-fourth ounce 
of chloride of lime in 1 pint of warm water, every half hour. 

To prevent recurrence feed 'Sal-Vet' daily. Keep it where 
the entire herd can run to it whenever they want it. It helps 
because it absorbs the noxious gases in the stomach. Besides, 
it tones the entire system and keeps the digestion good. 

Diarrhoea. 

This trouble occurs in all seasons of the year, and may 
be an indication of indigestion. The causes that lead to it are 
many. It may be overeating, especially of soft, watery feed, 
drinking strange or impure water, excess of bile, bowel inflam- 
mation, exposure to decided change of temperature, or it may 
be a symptom of some other disease lurking in the system. 

In any case, diarrhoea is an indication that nature is trying 
to eliminate from the system, matter which should not be pres- 
ent, and it is well to assist nature by giving a milk purgative. 
A pint of castor oil is excellent. Also give a little ground feed 
night and morning, until the excretions are normal. 

Diarrhoea being a disorder of the digestive organs, it may 
often be avoided, by allowing the cattle to have 'Sal-Vet' daily. 
Place it where they can have free access to it at all times. 

Milk Fever. 

This is a common and frequently fatal disease, which attacks 
cows immediately following calfbirth; usually after third to sixth 
calf. It is known by several different names, depending upon 
the locality. Some of these names are: Calving Fever, Partur- 
ition Fever, Parturient Apoplexy, Parturient Collapse and 
Puerperal Fever. 

The symptoms are so pronounced as to be recognized by the 
most inexperienced. The first indications are restless, excited 
actions, occasional bellowing and symptoms of colic. Within a 
few hours paralysis begins. It is indicated by loss of control of 
the hind legs, weakening of the knees and later by complete col- 
lapse and unconsciousness. The head is thrown to one side, 

Pag-e Eighty-nine 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



neck arched. The throat becomes mere or less paralyzed. Great 
care must be used in giving liquid medicine through the mouth, 
because the fluid is very liable to enter the lungs through the 
larynx, and cause traumatic pneumonia, v/hich is fatal in nearly 
all cases. Prop the animal on her breast with bundles of straw 
and keep her covered with blankets. 

The best and simplest treatment is an injection of air into 
the udder, by means of a milk fever instrument. Either recovery 
or death results within eighteen to twenty-four hours, but Icsses 
are comparatively few in cases in which the air treatment is 
given. 

Prevention is the easiest course and this is best done by 
allowing plenty of exercise and feeding laxative food before 
calving. It is very important that the digestion and elimination 
be perfect and to insure this, keep 'Sal-Vet' constantly before 
the cow. Avoid excessive fattening. In susceptible cows, allow 
the milk to remain in the udder, except what the calf requires, 
and this should be drawn from all four quarters. 

Constipation. 

Constipation is not regarded as a disease, but rather as the 
symptom of a disease. At the same time it is one of the most 
common ailments, and is a frequent cause of death. This is be- 
cause a very large percentage of the cases of constipation is due 
to bowel paralysis. In order to overcome constipation, it is nec- 
essary to remedy the conditions which lead to constipation. 
Overfeeding and indigestion are probably the most common 
causes of constipation and in these cases, 'Sal- Vet' will be found 
the best regulator. 

Calves are frequently troubled with constipation at birth, 
because of a faulty digestion in the mother. To avoid this see 
that 'Sal-Vet' is placed where she can have free access to it at 
all times. "Sal-Vet" supplies the required essentials to keep 
the system properly toned, and the digestion and elimination as 
they should be. 

Colic or Cramp. 

This is an ailment of the digestive organs and usually re- 
sults from eating indigestible food or drinking cold water. The 
symptoms are uneasiness, drawing up the hind legs and lying 
down and immediately getting up. 



Page Ninety 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 



Exercise the animal ten minutes. If this does not start a 
bowel movement, give one ounce sulphuric ether and c ne ounce 
tincture of opium in one pint of water. Repeat the dose in half 
hour if not relieved. 

Trouble arising from indigestion is best avoided by keeping 
"Sal-Vet" before the animals at all times. 

Caked Udder {Garget) 

Caked Udder or Garget is a very common ailment, usually 
due to the condition of the blood. It is also caused by careless 
milkers leaving a quantity of milk in the udder and its presence 
is usually manifested by inflammation, fever, swelling and 
hardening of the afflicted part. 

Poultices should be applied, and the animal deeply bedded 
to prevent any dampness of the udder. If the trouble becomes 
infectious, care must be taken not to communicate it to others. 
The hands should be washed thoroughly in an antiseptic solu- 
tion before attempting to milk cows. Disinfect the stables 
thoroughly. 

Inflate udder three to six times daily, using a small bicycle 
pump and milk tube. 



"SAL- VET" is a fine thing. It was well worth the price for mv 
cows alone. I have Holstein and some of them have had trouble with 
their bags becoming- caked. This spring they were free from it, 
with a single excetf)tion, and I attribute their improvement to "SAL- 
VET." Ernest F. Daisher, 

Britton, Mich. 



Calf Cholera (Scours) 

Calf Cholera is the virulent form of scours, due to failure of 
the calf to properly digest its food. Indigestion itself may be 
due to a number of causes, chief of which are feeding of milk to 
a very young calf, taken from a cow long after calving; allowing 
the calf to suck the first milk of a cow that has been driven, 
shipped or otherwise violently excited; allowing the calf to wait 
too long between feeds; feeding milk that has stood in an un- 
scalded pail; keeping calves in close, dark, damp or ill-smelling 
pens. All of these things should be carefully watched and the 
calf given milk from "Sal-Vet" fed cows only. If the mother 

Pag-e Ninety-one 



SAL-VET CATTLE BOOK 



has only moderate access to "Sal- Vet" before the birth of the calf, 
the latter will have an inheritance of vigor and good digestion. 

Ordinarily, in its early stage, scours is not contagious, but 
if indigestion is not overcome, fermentation in the indigested 
masses becomes more active, germ propagation sets in, and the 
disease becomes infectious. 

When it is discovered that a calf has scours, it should be 
placed in a warm, lighted stall and given a mild laxative and 
fed regularly— not too much at one time. 

Prevention is easier than a cure; care of the mother is a 
long step in the right direction. Be sure that she receives all 
the "Sal-Vet" she wants as this is the way to prevent scours or 
indigestion in her offspring. As soon as the calf is a few days 
old place a little "Sal-Vet" before it; it will keep its diges- 
tion in proper order, without further aid. 

Hard Milkers 

A cow that is a hard milker is of little value, compared to 
one that milks easily. This is not because she is deficient in 
quantity or quality of milk, but because no one wishes to use 
or purchase a hard milking cow. 

In order to treat this condition, it is necessary to know what 
causes it. It is due to a paralysis or contraction of the sphinct- 
er muscles at the point of teat. Treatment consists of a dilat- 
ing the muscles until the flow of milk passes out readily. 

Procure a teat dilator, apply a small quantity of vaseline 
and insert dilator into the teat far enough to admit the bulb. 
This stretches the muscles and their contraction below the bulb 
holds the dilator in place. Retain the dilator in the teat from 
one milking to the next, until milking is made easy. Usually 
this will require less than one week. 

Do not use milking tube in place of dilator, as infection 
may result from the admittance of air. 

Tuberculosis 

Tuberculosis is one of the most dreaded diseases because of 
its insidious nature, resistance to treatment and the danger of 
contagion. The tubercle baccilli may be present in the cow 
for months, or even years, without knowledge of the owner and be 
a constant menace, not only to the other animals, but also to 
the owner and his family, according to some authorities. The 

Page Ninet\-two 



DISEASES OF CATTLE 



safe way is to apply the tuberculin test at least once a year, and 
oftener, if the disease is present in the herd. 

No cure has ever been found for tuberculosis. For this 
reason it is very essential to prevent its appearance in the herd. 
To do this, animals must be kept in a hardy well nourished con- 
dition. Cattle that are low in health and vitality are especially 
liable to contagion. We cannot too strongly recommend "Sal- 
Vet" as a preventive, as it is the greatest tonic, invigorator and 
builder obtainable. It will not cure the disease, but— its con- 
stant use will lessen the danger of contracting it, because by 
strengthening the digestive and assimilative functions, it in- 
creases the animals' power of resistance. 

It must be remembered, too, that tuberculosis is an indoor 
disease. Fresh air and sunshine are the two agents that spell 
death to the tuberculosis germs. See that plenty of both are 
admitted to the stables, and that the quarters are kept clean. 

The symptoms most peculiar to tuberculosis are an un- 
nourished condition of body, in spite of abundant feed, dull 
short cough, especially noticea':!e m the morning, after drink- 
ing, sunken eyes, lusterless coat. The disease is so insidious, 
however, that it may be present for many months before the 
symptoms become apparent, and it may be necessary to apply 
the tuberculin test to tell whether the disease is present. If so, 
it will be indicated by a rise in temperature, following the in- 
jection. Some states conduct this test without cost to the 
owner, and diseased cattle are condemned to death, and the 
quarters are then thoroughly disinfected. 



WHAT USERS SAY 



From the Treasurer Holstein-Friesian Breeders's Ass'n of Illinois 

"Will say that we like your "Sal-Vet" fine. It is just the thing' to 
keep stock in fine thriftj' condition. This has been our experience 
with it." A. H. Nokes- Springfield, 111. 

■'I had a Jersey cow that would not eat a thing, and became so 
poor that she was unable to get up without help. I had tried all 
kinds of medicine, but nothing helped, and she steadily grew worse. 
Then the "Sal- Vet" arrived, but she was so weak that I had to give it 
to her with a spoon. It fixed her up in a short time. She is now in 
splendid condition. "Sal-Vet" has also been the means of putting 
the rest of my stock in fine condition. C. R. Gano, 

Mascotte, Fla. 

Page Ninety-tliree 



State Agricultural Experiment Stations and 
Colleges Endorse 




From Ohio State University; College of Agriculture. 

"We have used *Sal-Vet' with excellent satisfaction, and 
while we have not obtained information as to the absolute effect 
on our sheep, they consumed the preparation with results which 
appear to us to corroborate your statement, that it is desirable 
for discouraging the development of worms, and keeping sheep 
in a good condition. 

"I believe that 'Sal-Vet' will repay the user, in the results 
which come from its action in his flock." 

C. S. Plumb, B. Sc, Prof, of Animal Husbandry. 



From Oklahoma Experiment Station. 

"Please send us another shipment of 'Sal-Vet.' We en- 
deavor to keep a constant supply of 'Sal-Vet' before our sheep, 
particularly at this time of the year when there is greatest 
danger of lambs and sheep contracting stomach worms and 
other parasitic diseases." W. A. Linklater, 

Animal Husbandman. - 



From California College of Agriculture. 

"We received the 'Sal-Vet' some time ago and are feeding 
it to our breeding sheep. It is doing the work in fine shape." 
J. J. Thompson, Dept. Animal Husbandry. 



From North Carolina College of Agriculture. 

"In my live stock work here in North Carolina I have had 
an opportunity to recommend your 'Sal-Vet' to a number of 
stockmen. Having used it at New Hampshire College last year 
and year before, I am in a position to know its great value. 
Our cattle have done well ever since we began using 'Sal- Vet,' 
and I am always glad to recommend an article that is as good 
as the one you arc placing on the market." 

John C. McNutt, Prof. Dept. Animal Husbandry. 

Page Ninety-four 



Additional Experiment Station Endorsements 



From Iowa State College 

**We have been using 'Sal-Vet' now for two years, and to tell 
the truth are somewhat surprised at the good results we have se- 
cured with it. Our lambs have been quite free from parasitic 
trouble. We have been using 'Sal-Vet' quite faithfully during 
these two years, and believe it is a vermifuge of considerable 
merit. We lost one lamb late last summer, and upon posting it, 
found a few stomach worms, but not enough to kill the lamb. 
In all, we have posted two lambs out of the bunch which have 
been receiving 'Sal -Vet', andfoundstomach worms in both cases. 
However, these stomach worms were not present in large enough 
numbers to cause serious injury to the sheep. 

We know that our pastures are infected with stomach worms, 
and feel that 'Sal-Vet' has been responsible in keeping the loss 
from this source at a minimum. We wish to carry on the experi- 
ments with 'Sal-Vet' more thoroughly. 
(Signed) John M. Eward, 

Assistant Chief in Animal Husbandry, Iowa State College 
and Exp. Sta., Ames, Iowa. 

From Connecticut Agricultural College. 

"We have used 'Sal -Vet' with good effect on our sheep. 
Our lambs have never done so well as this spring." 

L. A. Clinton, Director. 



From North Carolina Experiment Station. 

"We find 'Sal-Vet' a very satisfactory worm exterminator, 
and are very much pleased with results." 

R. S. Curtis, Animal Husbandman. 

From Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute, 
Madison, Tenn. 

"After making a number of interesting tests on our sheep, 
I am confident that 'Sal-Vet' will destroy worms." 

E. A. Sutherland, President. 

From South-East Alabama Experiment Station, Abbeville, Ala. 

" 'Sal-Vet' has been of great service to us. It has kept our 
hogs and pigs free from worms, and furthermore, has demon- 
strated that it is a splendid tonic." 

J. Buhrmas Espy, Agriculturist. 

Page Ninety-five 



CONTENTS 



Preface Page 3 

Cattle Breeding,— Prof. Thos. Shaw. .Pages 5-9 

Selecting Beef Cattle,— Prof. Thos. Shaw. .Pages 10-11 

Selecting Dairy Cattle,— Prof. Thos. Shaw. .Pages 11-12 

Selecting Cattle of Dual Type, — Prof. Thos. Shaw.. Pages 12-13 
Breed of Cattle,— Prof. Thos. Shaw. .Pages 13-25 

Dual Breeds Pages 14-15 

Dairy Breeds Pages 16-20 

Beef Breeds Pages 21-25 

Feeding Cattle,— Prof. Thos. Shaw.. Pages 25-32 

Management,— Prof. Thos. Shaw.. Pages 33-56 

Feeding and Care of Calves, — Prof. Thos. Shaw.. Pages 33-40 
Feeding and Care of Young Cattle, — Prof. Shaw. .Pages 41-44 
Feeding and Care of Cattle While Fattening, — 

Prof- Thos. Shaw.. Pages 45-48 
Feeding and Care of Cows in Milk,— Prof. Shaw. .Pages 49-54 
Feeding and Care of the Male,— Prof. Thos. Shaw. .Pages 55-56 

Winter Rations Pages 57-64 

Improving the Dairy Herd Pages 65-73 

Simple Test for Butter Fat Page 68 

Sources of Waste Pages 73-78 

By-Products Pages 79-83 

Facts Worth Knowing Page 84 

Diseases of Cattle Pages 85-93 

What a Number of Experiment Stations Say about 

Sal-Vet Pages 94-95 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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